Elvis visits Hatley’s

Published 3:32 pm Friday, February 23, 2018

There is a certain day every other month when music echoes through the halls of Hatley Health Care and Rehabilitation.

That is when Terry Turner shows up and performs for the residents. It is a tradition that has grown since it began over two years.

Turner is known as the “man of many voices” and can impersonate 47 famous singers.

“It doesn’t get old, because I do so many types of songs,” Turner said. “I do a nostalgia theme and stick with a lot of the older fellows.”

During the routine at Hatley’s, Turner sang songs from a variety of artists, such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Engelbert Humperdink, Tom Jones and Willie Nelson.

“The basic thing is not so much that you sound exactly like them [original artist], but it’s the songs themselves and the heart that you put into them,” Turner said.

Many of the residents have gotten used to Turner’s visit every couple of months and interact with him on stage as they file in to find their seats.

“I love these folks,” Turner said.

Hatley’s has hosted the performances every other month for the past two years. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

A large scream was released across the room as Turner was introduced to the crowd.

Turner got his start in 1971, which included a six-year stint on the Las Vegas circuit before moving to Alabama and taking a different path by getting into law enforcement.

After his children grew up and it was time to retire, Turner made a return to his entertainment roots nine years ago.

While he was in law enforcement, he used his performing skills to host benefits for anyone who was trying to raise money for a cause.

According to Turner, performing is a calling and it’s great anytime he can brighten someone’s day with singing a song of a similar time.

“It helps bring the world back a little bit,” Turner said. “If I see a smile, my work is done.”